MPs back PTSD fight

BOOST FOR SICK WAR VETS

POLITICIANS of all parties have thrown their weight behind the Sunday People’s Save our Soldiers campaign.

MPs signed a Commons motion congratulating us for showing the devastating impact of post-traumatic stress disorder on war veterans.

The move was launched by outgoing Lib Dem leader Tim Farron and supported by his successor Sir Vince Cable and Tory Sir Peter Bottomley.

Labour, DUP, SNP and Welsh nationalist MPs also signed the motion.

They support the Sunday People’s call for an independent inquiry to establish links between PTSD and veterans’ suicides. Mr Farron said: “The demand for mental health services has grown massively due to veterans from conflicts.

“I’m urging everyone to get behind the Sunday People’s muchneeded campaign.”

The MPs also backed claims by former head of the Army Richard Dannett that the Government is breaking the law because of its failure to recognise PTSD as a serious and debilitating condition.

Nearly 400 servicemen and women killed themselves between 1995 and 2014. Those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are 20 times more likely to commit suicide.

A new MoD mental health initiative was launched last week but t there was nothing spec cific for PTSD victims. A An MoD spokesman said: “We support those who need help to come forward.”